Immaculate Conception Cathedral & the Feast

Here in Cotabato City a place in the island of Mindanao under the ARMM where the foundation of Christianity and Christian faith flourished long time ago. Many catholics here gather at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral  every year to celebrate  honor  the feast of Immaculate Conception.

The  Cathedral became the city’s landmark and attests the Christian faith  in the region has been a strong foundation of many Cotabateños.  Build over a decade the cathedral is tested by time and still most catholics here bonds its strong faith with God.

On December 8,  is the 61st year that the city  is  honoring Mary, our Mother on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a Holy Day of Obligation).   The doctrine states, that "the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, was preserved exempt from all stain of original sin by a singular privilege and grace granted by God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race." 

This years theme Maria Kasama sa Pagbabago at Pagkakaisa ng Mumunting Katolikong Kapitbahayan and here is the schedule of activities prepared for this years gathering.

General Theme:  MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGBABAGO AT PAGKAKAISA NG MKK.

DATE	SUB-THEME	PRESIDER	FIRST READING	SALMO/PSALMIST	GOSPEL
NOVEMBER 29	MARIA: KASAMA SA  PAGMAMAHALAN	FR. EDWIN DEGRACIA, DCC	ROM. 2:7-11 G. BAUS and  L. SUPE	SALMO 128 MENCHIE MAKILANG	LUKE 2:41-52
NOVEMBER 30	MARIA: KASAMA SA KAPAYAPAAN	FR. BENJUN LAFORTEZA, DCC	ACTS 1:14-15 E. LU and  JULIANO	SALMO 27 BERNARD CARMELO	LUKE 2:8-20
DECEMBER 01	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGLILINGKOD SA KAPWA	FR. FR. IRVIN MORASTIL, OMI	ACTS 18:1-8 R. NAVARRO and A. ESPERAT	SALMO 89 JESIE CABALES	LUKE 1:39-45
DECEMBER 02	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGSASABUHAY SA SALITA                  NG DIYOS	FR. JOREMIL GUMBAN, DCC	IS. 7:10-14 D. ESTOMATA and N. RUBIO	SALMO 118 ROBERT ESPINA	LUKE 11:27-28
DECEMBER 03	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGGAWA NG KABUTIHAN	FR. JOHN PALOMAR, OMI	Eph. 1:3-6,11-12 I. SISON and E. ALBARACIN	SALMO 51 VERNALYN PAGENTE	JOHN 2:1-11
DECEMBER 04	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGKALINGA SA KAPWA	FR. GERARD FORNAN, DCC	ROM. 6:15-23 D. CADELEÑA and E. CADELEÑA	SALMO 67 MARIEL FERNANDEZ	JOHN 19:25-27
DECEMBER 05        (Sunday)	MARIA: KASAMA SA PANANAMPALATAYA	FR. ED SANTOYO, OMI	IS 11:1-10       - M. ATINEN ROM. 15:4-9  - F. MAGUATE                         - I. SISON	SALMO 72  AMY GAPOL	MATTHEW      3:1-12
DECEMBER 06	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGPAPAKUMBABA	FR. SIMEON SAMSON , DCC	1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17 ESSEX G. and MARUNDAN	SALMO 63 MAY OCAY	JOHN 2:1-11
DECEMBER 07	MARIA: KASAMA SA KAGALAKAN	BISHOP JOSE COLIN BAGAFORO,DD	IS. 9:1-6 J. OMALZA and A. MALCAMPO	SALMO 40 REY FLORIDO	LUKE 1:46-56
DECEMBER 08	MARIA: KASAMA SA PAGBABAGO AT                 PAGKAKAISA NG MKK.	ARCHBISHOP ORLANDO B. QUEVEDO, OMI, DD	GEN. 3:9-15,20    - E. LAVIÑA EPH. 1:3-6,11-12 – K. LAVIÑA                                - A. UNDAR	SALMO 98 RICKY PIODENA	LUKE 1:26-38

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL

FIESTA SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

DATE                          SPONSORS AND OFFERERS                                                   CHOIR                    NIGHTLY PRESENTATION

NOV. 29	BUCANA CHAPELS (SAN ROQUE, STO. NINO, SAN ANDRES), SALVACION, CATECHISTS, VILO, CAS, ETD, D’MAX, MY, 552 SURPLUS, COT. GOLDTOP, METROBANK, COT. ROSE PHARMACY, SHIELDS HABERDASHERY SHOP	ICC CHOIR	BEC NITE
NOV. 30	SAN ROQUE (MANDAY), SAN VICENTE 6A, FATIMA 6B, SAN ANTONIO 6D, CWL, SMART, GREAT EASTERN, COT. WATER DIST, RODRAK, JOLLIBEE/GREENWICH/CHOWKING, MARDONEYS/MAMI KING, YU KIAN GUAN, GOOD MART COMMERCIAL, LCT, RANIS	NDCFC	DANCE SHOWDOWN     (OPEN TO ALL)
DEC. 01	STO. NINO AND SAN MIGUEL (PC HILL), SAN PEDRO (MABINI) NDU, PREX, KOA, NDU, DELA VIDA, CCI, CONNIES BAKESHOP, ELENA V. CO, SAMSON FURNITURE, CRISANEL PAWNSHOP, RCBC, COT MERCURY DRUG, KC BAKESHOP AND CASA BLANCA	ICC CHILDREN CHOIR AND ND CATHEDRAL CHOIR	LIVE BAND CONCERT
DEC. 02	PARAISO, SAMPALOK, DAPDAP, JASMIN, NDC, LECTORS, CENTRAL SCHOOL, AMA, PC HILL SCHOOL, R& B PHOTOART, SMILEY, SUPERAMA, VISION INN, LAS HERMANAS, DALMACIOS	NOTRE DAME OF COTABATO	CHORAL AND SOLO CONTEST
DEC. 03	PINAGSAMAHAN, STO. NINO (ANTE), STO. NINO (BORMAHECO), YOUTH, FAMILY & LIFE, ROJAS ELEM SCH, ROJAS HS, PACHECO SCH, HOTEL FILIPINO, COT FISH TRADING, COT UNION HARDWARE, AGENCIA DE ORO, TESSIE DUMLAO DRESS SHOP, WILLIAN LAPAZ BATCHOY	ICC YOUTH CHOIR	PRIVATE SCHOOLS
DEC. 04 Kasalan sa    Parokya	ST. EUGENE, STO. NINO (SESAME), SAN AGUSTIN, DIVINE MERCY (BONIFACIO), PADRE PIO, COT. CABLE TV, ND RVM SCHOOL, STI, SNOW QUEEN, MAPING HARDWARE, FARMACIA VICTORIA, CONCHA PRINTING PRESS, COT MONTE MART, CIRILO APPLIANCES, MICHAEL’S FOOD HAUS	PADRE PIO CHOIR	PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DEC. 05	SAN VICENTE FERRER 1A, SAN HERMENEGILDO, ST. JOSEPH 1D, PERPETUAL HELP, ESTOSAN, CHARLEY BAKERY, CRYSTAL CLEAR, AIRA/AV/3ACE PAWNSHOP, COT NOODLES, ALING PRECY, COT LIGHT, COT ICE PLANT, GENMERCEN	ICC MALE CHOIR	MCDONALD AND SUPERAMA NITE
DEC. 06 Confirmation      Day	FATIMA (SUPER), SAN ISIDRO 8A, SAN VICENTE 8B, ND RVM, PEDRO CALUNGSOD, SVA, ALBERT EINSTEIN, ND HOS SCH OF MIDWIFERY, MARIAN HILLS, MANG GORIO, EL MANUEL, SARDONYX, OJ WHOLESALE & RETAIL	BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD CHOIR	BASKETBALL “EXHIBITION GAME”
DEC. 07 “Lugawan sa   Parokya”	ST. CLARE, KATAHIMIKAN, MALIGAYA, JOSE LIM, CHARISMATIC, NDCES, ST. BENEDICT, ND PRESS, PHIL TRADE CENTER, KP COMMERCIAL, BPI, COMPACT, NEW CITY HARDWARE, ORIENTAL, DEAL PAWNSHOP/ALANDIA  TRADING GENERAL & MERCHANDISE	CHARISMATIC CHOIR	NIGHT OF MUSIC AND MAGIC
DEC. 08 Fiesta Day	PPC 4 MAJOR OFFICERS, MINISTRIES AND MANDATED ORGANIZATIONS PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL	ICC OFFICIAL CHOIR	MORNING: CHEER DANCE EVENING:  “COTABATO  GOT  TALENT”

TakUMi BUtaI's SHriNe . . a JApaNEse HeRo

Being born here in Cotabato City I never expected to still have discovered new sites relevant to the historical aspect. Many might have known about what my feature is but I am sure many more is eager to know Takumi Butai.

The Provincial Commander of the Japanese force assigned here in Cotabato, Takumi died during the World War II and requested before he died that some of his ashes be buried in the city.  He considered the city as his second home.

Years later a shrine commissioned by the Cotabato government and the Lion's Club of Kyoto was erected, memorializing Butai and the many deceased Japanese Soldiers.  Japanese nationals visit in homage to a local hero and relieve the memories of war during the Japanese All Soul's Month in August.

Now Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine might be one of the places we have forgotten.  It was a discovery in my part since I haven’t really thought nor read about it. I just happen to bump Mr. Boy Dimaandal after taking photos of a famous and took me to the place. 

The shrine is located at Varga  Compound along San Sebastian Street, at the Cotabato Regional Hospital, it is sad to note that just recently no more Japanese visitors came to visit the shire unlike in the previous years.

bRaSSwArEs . . . a cEnTurY oLd aRtWoRkS iN cOtAbAtO cITY

Metal works in the sultanate is one of the oldest craft in Cotabato City and Maguindanao which is believed to have started centuries ago.  This can be attested by private collections, shops and museums aside from the exquisite works of brasswares found in the city.

Like any other countries in the world, we are just proud about this cultural heritage and brasswares found here is one that is ancient and have made the city known for.  It is like one of the artworks made and flourished hundreds of years ago.

Brass and brasswares was one of the sought-after items  in the bygone days. It may sound so surprising but I almost became like a currency in that it could be traded  practically for anything.

The brassware role was important in the people lives that a man who wished to tie the marriage-knot had to give his dowry in the form of brass gongs and cannons. Fines and debts were also paid in brass articles, particularly gongs and cannons.

Gradually the possession and the use of brassware grew into such significance that it was looked upon as the yardstick of a person’s wealth in the same way as one is today judged by the amount of the money one has in the bank.

 

Brass work is much older than other crafts in Cotabato City and therefore it is familiar in the Old homes of Maguindanaon and Maranao of Cotabato, especially the rich and powerful  according to the history and records.

CitY's FruiTStanD nOw a VarietY StanD

For those who are pioneers of Cotabato many places in the city has become part of many Cotabateños daily life and routine.  The Cotabato fruitstand which in the early 80’s were just shanties where you see  variety of fresh fruits produced in South Central Mindanao.

The city was one of the economic hubs in Mindanao during those years, many residents, businessmen and tourist finds the best quality of fruits here.  The stalls were donated by Coca Cola which was handled by  Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School since it is located beside the school.

In 1985, the stalls became semi permanent and with lights later it has evolve into a variety of stands like the bakeshop, fax and Xerox services and many others.  The long stretch of stalls also includes the city’s barbeque stands that were earlier featured.

After the stalls went on fire several months ago, the stall were constructed into a more permanent and durable structure which can stand for a longer period of time. 

My oNe MoNtH BlOgSary

Time flies so fast, it seems it just days ago but today I is my 1^st month Blogsary.  I couldn’t believe that I am blogging for one month now and for sure I am not stopping.  I am beginning my leap now so expect for more events, new discoveries, many adventures and so much more.

Your visits, follows and comments is pushing me more to give you interesting topics and many surprises about my home, my place, my city . . . .COTABATO CITY.

My sincere appreciation and gratitude for your time spend to take a glimpse and browse about all of my posts.  I also thank those special people who have contributed many information and time to share their ideas and facts to me.

I thank all of you and I have wishes that you continue your support in my upcoming posts and requests which will contribute to make this undertaking a success.

Today, we also celebrate my father’s death anniversary.  I am praying for him and pay respect for he has become the biggest part of me.  You will always be remembered PAPA.

a DaY oF rEMeMbRAnCe . . . .mAgUiNdAnAO MaSsACre

Today was declared by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the  National day of Remembrance  for the victims of Maguindanao massacre under the Presidential Proclamation 73.

Exactly a year ago, 57 Filipinos, including 32 members of the media, were killed while en route to the local Commision on Elections office to file a gubernatorial certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town.

This was the time Mangudadatu was contesting the candidacy of Andal Ampatuan Jr., who is part of Maguindanao’s ruling political family and who is now the principal accused in the massacre case.

I had the opportunity to attend a mass offered for the victims who still seeks justice of the horrible incident in the history of media and political. 

Many members of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines here in Cotabato City attended the mass held at the lobby of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and it was followed by lighting of candles in support to the call for justice.

Fr. Elmer Dela Cruz officiated the mass and Mr. Edwin Fernandez, NDBC’s station manager also joined the gathering. 

CaVes in tHe HeArT of CoTabAtO

The only caves in the country that is right in the heart of the city are the Kutawato Caves. It’s various entrances; all within traffic is a rarity that can only be had in the “ Heart of Mindanao- Cotabato City”.

These caves were also the source of the city’s present name for “kuta” means fort and “wato” means stone hence the name fort of stone, which later became cotabato. Kutawato caves with its walls of white, beige and brownish shade glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon this island.

This caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the castillan faith and has thus served the purposed when Filipino guerillas fought the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.

When the Japanese firepower proved superior to that of the natives, the caves then used as an armory and even as a garrison. Within its confines, tortured and oppressed souls that thirst for freedom and democracy echoed their faint moans and cries that were buried in its bosoms, muted for over half a century.

Formally re-opened and blessed on September 19, 1996, the outwait caves of cotabato city has once again reverberated the voices of the cotabateños; this time however, in a peacefully happy tone.

Located at the foot of the “Tantawan” or P.C. hill, the cave is reputed to be seven kilometers long and of formidable, solid rock. Having four major entrances, each gaping mouth offers unique experience to its visitors.

Source: http://www.skyscraperlife.com/luzviminda-cities-places/52-cotabato-mindanaos-cradle-civilization.html